Dr Zheng Liu
PhD, MA, BA, MPhil
Current positions
Lecturer in Innovation Management
School of Management - Business School
Contact
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Research interests
I joined the University of Bristol in 2021 as a Lecturer in Innovation Management, having completed my doctoral and postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge. I am an External Examiner for the Department of Sociology and a Senior Research Associate at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. I am an Affiliate with Bristol Digital Futures Institute and Cambridge Digital Humanities. I serve as an Expert Reviewer for European Research Council, the ESRC and the German Research Foundation.
My research investigates the social process of innovation, centring around one fundamental question: how do socio-cultural factors shape innovation activities? Having examined this question in a number of empirical contexts, ranging from the digital transformation of the book industry in China (supervised by Professor John B. Thompson) to digital innovation in China's tech sector (with Professor Peter J. Williamson), I have published in journals across sociology, publishing studies, cultural economy, and business and management studies. My first book monograph, entitled Cultural Mavericks: The Business and Cultural Politics of Independent Bookselling in China, which will be published by Columbia University Press.
Parallel to my research on innovation, I conduct research on the sociology of artificial intelligence, with a focus on analysing and theorising AI as a social praxis. I am the author of the award-winning paper 'Sociological Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: A Typological Reading' (please direct your enquires regarding this paper to my email address ending @bristol.ac.uk).
Lastly, I do practice-oriented research on digital innovation, digital business model innovation and digitalisation strategies, by working with companies in Britain and China.
At the UoB, I teach courses on innovation, digital transformation and management research methods. I can provide tailored training for organisations and communities on innovation and digitalisation. I have experience of consultancy and advising executives directly.
Current PhD supervision areas: digital business model innovation; digitalisation; sociological studies of AI. I welcome applicants using qualitative and mixed methods. Experimental design, Q methodology, SNA and digital methods are particularly welcome. Please email to discuss your research proposal before applying. Please note that I am unable to reply all PhD enquires received and will only reply to those aligning with my own research the best. Reply =/ acceptance.
Publications
Selected publications
28/03/2021Sociological Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: A Typological Reading
Sociology Compass
Why It’s Time to Think about Copying Chinese Innovators
Ivey Business Journal
Between Business and Morality: Cultural Politics in Independent Bookshops in China
Journal of Cultural Economy
A World of Division and Interdependence: A Sociological Interpretation of the Book Publishing Field in China
Logos: Journal of the World Publishing Community
Whither the Book Retailing Industry in China: A Historical Reflection
Publishing Research Quarterly
Recent publications
28/03/2021Sociological Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: A Typological Reading
Sociology Compass
Why It’s Time to Think about Copying Chinese Innovators
Ivey Business Journal
Between Business and Morality: Cultural Politics in Independent Bookshops in China
Journal of Cultural Economy
A World of Division and Interdependence: A Sociological Interpretation of the Book Publishing Field in China
Logos: Journal of the World Publishing Community
Whither the Book Retailing Industry in China: A Historical Reflection
Publishing Research Quarterly